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New gPhone whispers suggest that Google is gearing up for no less than "an all-out assault on the mobile phone market".

The report, from The Times, states that the new, Google-branded handset we've heard about of late will encompass "the first comprehensive Google phone service with unlimited free calls", and a built-in, advanced version of Google Voice.

"For the first time", says the paper, "a single company will control everything from the software in users' phones to the services they use to make calls and surf the web".

The Google handset is said to be "one of the most advanced smartphones, with a large touchscreen display and a [Qualcomm] processor almost twice as fast as the one powering Apple's iPhone 3GS".

It's likely to offer the future version of Android code-named "Flan", which continues the cake-themed updates, and is said to bring high-speed 3D gaming.

As mobile phone operators may be unwilling to offer a device that offers free Google Voice calls, it's suggested that Google may offer the handset direct to the public, although this could push the cost up to over £500 - but it's a price some disillusioned consumers may be willing to pay.

This latest report pegs a gPhone launch as early as next year in the US - we will keep you posted.

Now, with that being said I also ask you to consider the analysis of Om Malik of GigaOm in this article titled Meet Google, Your Phone Company
I'm somewhat skeptical that they would piss off their handset partners, but then again, if their product differentiated themselves from their partners' products then it could be a big deal.

Let us not forget that Google's investment in Clearwire does allow them the opportunity to resell Clearwire's services.
via: BusinessInsider

Now, with that being said I also ask you to consider the analysis of Om Malik of GigaOm in this article titled Meet Google, Your Phone Company
I'm somewhat skeptical that they would piss off their handset partners, but then again, if their product differentiated themselves from their partners' products then it could be a big deal.

Yep-a-ru, I need the speed. I now use an XOHM modem to drive my Vonage box. Funny thing is there are two phone jacks on the back of the modem Sprint never implemented.

Today a group of leading venture capitalists published an open letter to the FCC calling on them to prevent what they say would be the end of net neutrality and a crippling blow to young startups.

No Google, say it ain't (or wouldn't of been ) so! ATT and Verizon would have killed their own cash cow.

I've been holding my breath since this was first discussed. Months ago. Thinks are getting dark, very dark. must. breathe. gSDFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

The CEO of Google mentioned it a few years ago in an interview! Google doesn't believe a phone should cost anything near what they do, and even went further to say...FREE(assuming with Google advertising).

Disclaimer: If this is an answer to a TECHNICAL QUESTION, then MY ANSWER is correct, even if its contradicting something that a tech support rep, or anyone else said. I am not giving you the answer YOU WANT, I'll give you the answer I know is CORRECT.
If this is about CARRIER POLICY, then you should probably be aware that carriers change their policy unexpectedly, and inexplicably. Even if the answer is correct when posted, it could very well be wrong in a day, or week.

I'm hoping it's not. Google would let HTC release their "traditional cell phone" in December before releasing their HTC build (rumor) gPhone after the 1st of the year.

Originally Posted by CA

The CEO of Google mentioned it a few years ago in an interview! Google doesn't believe a phone should cost anything near what they do, and even went further to say...FREE(assuming with Google advertising).

I have no doubt that if Google had won their 700Mhz bid, they would probably offer free service (ad driven), but since they didn't, most rumors are "data only" plans, most likely from AT&T (bummer).

The gPhone sounds like a great idea, I just wonder if they should wait tell LTE is rolled out in 2011. Data and Google Voice calls (ie skype) would both benefit from the faster network.

And no, I won't pay $825 USD for a cell phone, unless it DID have unlimited free service. But that depends on how the ad revenue is pushed to the phone too.